Wilmington restaurateur opens Delphina Dos on Water Street

Published: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 4:17 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 4:17 p.m.

Diners hungry for a taste of the Latin fare of chef Carlos Rojas will no longer have to brave the Bald Head Island ferry with the opening of Delphina Dos at 5 Water St. A second location of the cantina opened by longtime Wilmington restaurateur Harper Peterson and his wife, Plunkett Dodge, Delphina Dos launched with a soft opening last week and a grand unveiling is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 15.

The restaurant fills a void left by the closing of Mixto in late 2013, a partnership between Peterson along with Justin Smith, Gil Johnson and Barbara Wheetman. Peterson and Dodge are operating alone with the new spot.

Home to Water Street Restaurant prior to Mixto, Peterson has owned the distinctive space since 1991 and is eager to open it back up.

"It's a great building," he said. "It's got a really good vibe."

Peterson was busy Tuesday putting a final polish on the dining room, which retains much of the characteristic charm provided by considerably aged woodwork, weathered floorboards and exposed rafters. The colors have been softened somewhat. And while the décor still invokes a Latin feel, the interior is different enough to seem like a new experience.

Downtown's Delphina will allow Peterson a chance to keep the brand active year-round; the Bald Head Island outpost closes seasonally.

Chef Rojas and his team have taken over the Water Street kitchen, and will continue producing the menu flavored with touches of Spain, Mexico and Cuba. The menu includes a selection of tacos, burritos and sandwiches sure to satisfy the lunch crowd. A short list of dinner entrees include seafood and steak options, with nothing priced over $15.

<p>Diners hungry for a taste of the Latin fare of chef Carlos Rojas will no longer have to brave the Bald Head Island ferry with the opening of Delphina Dos at 5 Water St. A second location of the cantina opened by longtime Wilmington restaurateur Harper Peterson and his wife, Plunkett Dodge, Delphina Dos launched with a soft opening last week and a grand unveiling is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 15. </p><p>The restaurant fills a void left by the closing of Mixto in late 2013, a partnership between Peterson along with Justin Smith, Gil Johnson and Barbara Wheetman. Peterson and Dodge are operating alone with the new spot. </p><p>Home to Water Street Restaurant prior to Mixto, Peterson has owned the distinctive space since 1991 and is eager to open it back up.</p><p>"It's a great building," he said. "It's got a really good vibe."</p><p>Peterson was busy Tuesday putting a final polish on the dining room, which retains much of the characteristic charm provided by considerably aged woodwork, weathered floorboards and exposed rafters. The colors have been softened somewhat. And while the décor still invokes a Latin feel, the interior is different enough to seem like a new experience.</p><p>Downtown's Delphina will allow Peterson a chance to keep the brand active year-round; the Bald Head Island outpost closes seasonally.</p><p>Chef Rojas and his team have taken over the Water Street kitchen, and will continue producing the menu flavored with touches of Spain, Mexico and Cuba. The menu includes a selection of tacos, burritos and sandwiches sure to satisfy the lunch crowd. A short list of dinner entrees include seafood and steak options, with nothing priced over $15.</p><p>Delphina Dos is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and offers a brunch service 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.</p><p>For more information, go to delphinacantina.webs.com.</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9919"><b>Paul Stephen</b></a>: 343-2041</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @pauljstephen</p>